Plans are well underway for the eleventh World Congress to be held from September 10-13, 2008 in Budapest, Hungary. The program committee's work has been completed and, as evident in the now finalized program, has done an extraordinary job. The speakers have been invited and almost all have already confirmed. We look forward to a state of the art symposium of the highest caliber. All are encouraged to put the dates on your calendars, register early, and submit your abstracts. The deadline for hotel reservations in July 1st, 2008 and can be done online at www.isdecongress2008.com. The same site can be used for abstract submission, the deadline for which is rapidly approaching (February 15, 2008).

Another imperative is to continue to recruit members from the gastroenterology and surgery. Substantial progress has been made in this domain during the past year with the integration of the European Society of Esophagology (ESE) as the European branch of the ISDE. However, more effort is necessary. All members are encouraged to spread the word about the ISDE to friends and colleagues to further enhance our Society.

Peter J Kahrilas
January 30, 2008